Why Che Chicken?
When CITY was formed, we were just a group of people who thought it would be great to have a few hens in our yards like many of our parents, grandparents, and their families before them. Boy, were we surprised to discover that in Salem, Oregon you can legally own a 100-pound pet pig, or a vicious dog, but not a 3-pound hen!
We didn't plan to become revolutionaries, but after nearly a year of struggling to legalize backyard hens in Salem, that's where it stands. This is America - the land of the free. We should not be denied the pets of our choosing, on our own private property, for which we pay taxes. Other citizens in major cities around the country, and in Oregon have chicken-keeping ordinances. Why not us?
Our "Che Chicken" logo resembles a famous photograph of Che Guevara taken in 1960. While we do not condone his violent methods, we chose Che because he has become an international symbol for rebellion against injustices.
This image is meant to make you smile. A chicken wearing the beret of a revolutionary? There is tremendous irony in our use of this symbol. What could be more conservative than having a few chickens in your yard? Yet we have to battle for the same rights our parents and grandparents had as Americans - the right to a have few hens. No, that's not in the Constitution...but America was founded on the principals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...and chickens make us happy.
Viva la Urban Chicken Revolution!
"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."